The six-year anniversary of Chris Cornell’s passing has recently been marked with retrospectives, tributes, and live performances celebrating his singular career. Cornell, who achieved worldwide fame as the lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave, was also known for his inventive guitar playing. In this report, we examine Cornell’s unique approach to the instrument, how it influenced his musical output, and why it deserves recognition.
A multifaceted musician
While Cornell is widely celebrated for his vocal prowess, his skill on the guitar is often overlooked. However, his talent on the instrument helped to shape Soundgarden’s distinctive sound, which stood out in the fertile music scene of the Pacific Northwest in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Soundgarden was able to bridge the gap between rock and metal, incorporating unusual time signatures and open tunings into their songs.
Cornell’s playing is also evident in his work with Temple of the Dog and as a solo artist, as well as his time with Audioslave. In an interview with MusicRadar, Cornell spoke about his renewed interest in the guitar after Soundgarden’s reunion. He noted that acoustic shows were a “huge thing” for him, allowing him to grow as a musician. Playing acoustic shows demanded that he play correctly, without the support of other instruments. It was a “naked experience” that taught him how to relax and play in an environment where everything was clear.
The influence of Cornell’s drumming roots
When Soundgarden formed in 1984, Cornell was the band’s singing drummer. He eventually switched to full-time frontman, but his drumming roots continued to inform his guitar playing. Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil once noted that Cornell had a great sense of timing because he started as a drummer. Thayil also praised Cornell’s creative ambitions and his contributions to the band’s progress from punk rock to a broader musical palette.
Cornell himself acknowledged that he didn’t start playing guitar in earnest until he joined Soundgarden, where he contributed songs and ideas. He credited Thayil’s encouragement for spurring his growth as a musician.
Unusual time signatures and alternative tunings
Soundgarden gained attention for their use of odd time signatures and open tunings, which created a unique sound that set them apart from their peers. Cornell explained that their use of non-traditional rhythms was not a deliberate choice, but the result of noodling around with a guitar and discovering something cool.
Cornell’s approach to tuning was similarly unconventional. He would experiment with various tunings until he found something that sparked his imagination. His use of tunings helped to create the open, other-worldly sound that is evident in many of Soundgarden’s classic songs.
A restless artist
Throughout his career, Cornell was always evolving as a musician and a songwriter. He explored different genres, from grunge and metal to folk and country. His last solo album, Higher Truth, showcased his breadth as an artist, revealing that he was still questioning, learning, and developing as a player and writer.
Cornell’s commitment to creating music that evokes an imaginary world, which he described in an interview with MusicRadar, remains the defining characteristic of his artistry. His legacy as a musician, singer, and guitarist is one of passionate dedication and a restless creative spirit.
Editorial
Chris Cornell’s legacy as a musician and songwriter is undeniable. His contributions to Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Temple of the Dog, as well as his solo work, have left an indelible mark on the music world. Yet, despite being widely celebrated as a vocalist, Cornell’s guitar playing remains underappreciated.
Cornell’s approach to the guitar was unconventional, driven by an intuitive sense of melody,
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